Substance Abuse Counselor

CONNIE RENEE GONZALEZ

**** *. ******* **** **. West Covina, CA 91790

Email: ****************@*****.*** Cell: 626-***-****

OBJECTIVE

To secure a position as a Case Manager/Counselor/Community Worker, which will enable me to utilize

my knowledge in the field of Recovery and Case Management to help others achieve their goals. I

am a self- starter, eager to learn and develop time management systems within my scope of practice

without limitations to assist in the development of improvements within an organization. Ability to

meet deadlines and exceed expectations of job functions. I take pride in my work and the work of

any organization that may employ me so that we may excel as a team while meeting the needs of

individuals and/or families.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Jose Marez and Associates

June 2014 - current

Domestic Violence 52 Week Batterer Facilitator - Internship

Facilitation with Prison Parolees upon release from prison in group setting Domestic Violence sessions weekly

for 52 weeks. Continuously reinforce the responsibility for violent and abusive behavior for the batterer. Focus

on group material and discussion with Batterers to educate different types of abuse. Clarify the definition of

domestic violence to include power and control behavior rather than the narrow definition of physical abuse

behaviors only. Discussion as to consequences to batterer’s as well as children and victims to assist batterers

in understanding the negative consequences to all involved.

Narcotics Prevention Project

Jan. 2014 - current

Counselor

Caseload of 50-54 patients with exceptional time management systems to allow for Initial

Assessments, 1.1 sessions while meeting frequency per patient each month. Conducts intake

interviews and develops Treatment planning with patient. Evaluates treatment plans each 90 days

with patient as well. Monitors and documents progress in recovery from alcohol and drug abuse as it

relates to clients overall mental health and substance abuse recovery. Provides patients with

guidance and assistance regarding community agency or clinic operations as well as motivational

techniques to assist the patient in regaining self- esteem and motivation to change current

behaviors. Counsels patients regarding resources or services available for employment, housing and

other barriers that patients are faced with daily as well as for treatment to help combat relapses.

Participates in educational activities in both formal academic settings and in treatment or

rehabilitation centers to improve knowledge of co-occurring mental health, substance abuse and

other related areas such medical issues. Positive interaction to assist patients in accomplishing goals

with the ability to motivate and allow patients to see the qualities they possess. Ability to assess

patients and maintain compliant files to satisfy all Governmental Agencies that regulate all

Methadone Clinics. Utilization of Tower system for all functions of business operations and billing

purposes. Individualized interaction with all patients based on their needs and ability to navigate for

patients and linking them to needed resources and other agencies for housing, employment, training

as well as any other needs. Performs other duties as assigned.

Pacific Clinics/West Covina

Jan. 2013-Jan.2013

Mental Health Worker - Internship

Completed Service and Coordination Plans, progress notes, and other DMH required documentation

to meet the standards of the Department of Mental Health, Pacific Clinics. Medi-Cal and its funding

sources. Worked with the treatment team to provide appropriate coordinated care services to clients

to address the client’s needs and advocating for stabilizing services and connecting the consumer to

beneficial resources within the community. Provided rehabilitative services to clients which might

include assistance in restoring or maintaining a client’s functional skills, daily living skills, social

skills, and linking up to needed community services and support resources. Provided services in the

field, at home, in the school and/or in the community to promote stabilization and consistency with

program and funding source contractual requirements. Communicated effectively in a culturally

competent and diverse consumer population and promoted favorable interaction with managers, co-

workers and others. Performed other duties as assigned.

California Hispanic Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

April 2011-Jan. 2014

Substance Abuse Counselor/Case Manager

Oversee clients with substance abuse and alcohol addiction, proper documentation of daily program

activities on individual client files as well as daily activity log book. Monitor clients and maintain

client files by adhering to federal, state and county regulations. Transporting clients to outside

meetings, church activities, medical/mental health appointments and all other necessary

destinations. One on one counseling sessions, UA testing upon arrival of passes and at random if

necessary, group sessions and activity planning. Documenting client charts by utilizing DAP format.

Monitor client visits with children and other family members. Responsible for determining eligibility

for homeless families, screening clients, intake and placement process as well as appropriate

discharge for up to twelve clients as assigned with a duration of up to 120 days upon program

enrollment. Advocate with property managers regarding permanent housing for families. Monitor

client’s progress and needs and ability in accessing and linking clients to resources as needed such

as mental health, substance abuse and other agencies. Ability to facilitate individualized participant

plans on the basis consisting of but not limited to substance abuse, mental health, goal setting,

money management, housing and employment search. Maintain records of client’s progress and

activities by proper documentation. Ability to utilize HMIS data base system. Responsible for

Monthly and Quarterly Management Reports and participant rosters reflecting client’s status as well

as 60, 90 and 180 days follow up. Direct communication with LAHSA, DPSS and referral agencies.

Ability to work with individuals of diverse backgrounds while motivating and achieving expected

outcomes with little or no supervision. Travel to site locations 2-3 times a week and maintained open

communication with all clients.

YWCA of San Gabriel Valley

March 2011-June 2011

Data Entry Clerk-Temporary

Accurately create and update consumer intake information files that are pertinent to LA County

agencies which service senior consumers. Accountable for maintaining information related to

consumers, which is audited for accuracy on a monthly basis by state and county auditors.

Performed other duties as assigned.

Sam’s Club

May 2002- June2008

Assistant Manager

Direct supervision and management of 6 team leaders and approximately 50-60 associates. Ensure

city, county and state compliance is maintained in all fresh areas which included Meat, Bakery, Café,

Deli, Produce and Floral Departments. Monthly Inventory for all fresh areas. Direct ordering in all

areas, meet or exceed forecasted sales by analyzing monthly reports. Ensure all departments meet

Quality Assurance and food safety regulations by evaluating the food preparation and storage areas

for cleanliness and sanitation; also maintain daily, weekly and monthly reports in a 52 week file.

Timely evaluations of associates, attendance tracking and data keyed weekly scheduling of

associates, direct hire and termination of associates. Train and develop associates for team leader

and management positions. Assisted members on a daily basis to enhance their shopping

experience and satisfy their needs. Grow profits by analyzing weekly and monthly reports to

decrease cost and increase sales, average monthly profits of 350K and increase in sales each year,

received maximum club bonuses each year which is mainly produced from fresh area sales and

profits. Inventory control by conducting daily audits on high shrink items within the store as well as

weekly category audits to ensure correct inventory on entire club stock. Weekly audits in receiving as

well as claims departments for correct day to day functions. Performed other duties as assigned.

Kragen Auto Parts

April 2002- Sept. 2004

Cashier/Parts Associate

Day to day register sales and transactions, stocking of merchandise on a weekly basis. Maintain

store cleanliness and organization of supplies and products. Assist customers with parts needed,

ability to assist in needs for auto repairs with basic knowledge on simple auto maintenance. Took

initiative in learning and assisting closing shift managers on a daily basis with closing the books and

balancing the funds. Number one in sales 2 years in a row on weekly and monthly items. Several

Opportunities offered for Assistant Manager Position. Performed other duties as assigned.

Hacienda/La Puente School District

Sept.1996- April 1997

Clerk Typist-Student Worker

Maintain Student financial aid information using Page maker for Macintosh, Use of Excel for

maintaining student records such as payment schedules as well as student progress. Assist students

with federal student aid applications and all other basic clerical duties such as answer telephones

and update and maintain file folders for students. Performed other duties as assigned.

California Security Service

June 1994-June 1997

Nightclub Security

In charge of maintaining a safe environment for nightclub patrons. Identification and dress code

check upon entrance of nightclub, search all patrons for weapons as well as prohibited items.

Monitor nightclub facilities throughout the evening for any type of disturbances. Ability to write

incident reports as needed. Performed other duties as assigned.

Tenant’s Rights Group

Jan.1991- Jan.1995

Paralegal Assistant/Supervisor

Type and file court motions with court clerk. Construct and file Bankruptcies. Handle payroll and

supervised 10-12 associates. Performed other duties as assigned.

Internal Revenue Service

June1988- Aug 1988

Group Secretary

Type and file all documents related to all taxpayers. Worked hand in hand with 7-10 revenue officers

and tasked for each officer individually and as necessary, telephone answering services and all other

basic general office duties such as posting, filing documents and photo copying. Performed other

duties as assigned.

VOLUNTEER SERVICES

World Faith Ministries

August 2014 – February 2015

Nursery Director/Administrator

Oversee the nursery for the care of infants and toddlers. Support the Pastor regarding policies and procedures.

Recruit volunteers to serve in the nursery during Sunday, Wednesday and special event services. Develop a

good relationship with volunteers and demonstrate a friendly and positive attitude with children and parents

who are utilizing nursery care. Provide needed supplies and maintain cleanliness and sanitation in the nursery

center. Substitute if needed. Administrative duties included writing letters for enrollment to Men’s home as

well as progress reports for court proceedings. Create flyers for leaders Bible studies as well as congregation

functions such as banquets, etc. using Microsoft Publisher software. Monitor email for senior Pastor and order

supplies for Church as well as other duties requested by Senior Pastor.

EDUCATION

Rancho High School 1992 – High School Diploma

Los Angeles City College 1990-1991 - Real Estate Courses

Hacienda La Puente Adult School 1996-1997- Data Entry/Proof Operations

Hacienda La Puente Adult School Sept. 2009- Dec. 2010- Dental Assistant Certificate

CAARR Institute Jan. 2011- Jan. 2012 Addiction Specialist

Mt San Antonio College 2011-2012 Majored in Sociology and Behavioral Science

Pacific Clinics – Mental Health Worker Training Fall 2013

Breining Institute July 2014– Registered Addiction Specialist Exam

Dr. Kathie Mathis( Judicial Council DV expert) – Domestic Violence Advocacy and Batterer Training -

2013

Stepping Stone – Anger Management and Parenting Facilitator Training - 2013

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES

Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor- CAADE Credential Number - G1311121046 exp. 7/2018

Paraprofessional Mental Health Worker Certificate

Anger Management Facilitator

Los Angeles County Probation/Parole Department – Certified Domestic Violence Batterer Facilitator

Domestic Violence Advocate Facilitator

Parenting Facilitator

Class C Driver’s License

CPR /Basic First Aid Certified – exp. December 2016

SKILLS

Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, Publisher

Type 40-45 wmp

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